NORWICH – To herald May as Mental Health Awareness month, a consumer of mental health services stood before the county board on Monday and thanked them for providing the care that she has needed through the years.

The 59-year old woman said she was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder at 20 years of age, and wouldn’t be alive today without the services, medicines, hospitals and good care she has received through the Chenango County Community Mental Hygiene Services department.

“It is people like you who are making a difference for us. There is a great need for care. I would not be here today with out you,” she said.